United States Senate Condemns Vicious Attacks by Boko Haram, Urges Credible and Transparent Elections in Nigeria

Press Release

The United States Senate this week voted unanimously to condemn the vicious attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram against innocent civilians, especially women and children, and called on Nigeria's government to ensure its upcoming national elections on March 28 and April 11 are safe, credible, and transparent.

The resolution was introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and included language authored by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Subcommittee on African Affairs, regarding the importance of the upcoming elections. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) joined as original cosponsors.

"Halting Boko Haram's vicious attacks requires a comprehensive strategy that includes combatting it on the battlefield and ensuring Nigerians' voices are heard on Election Day," Senator Coons said. "It is absolutely critical that as the Nigerian military works in coordination with its regional partners to push back Boko Haram, Nigeria's government and political candidates commit to transparent and credible elections. All Nigerian political actors must reject inflammatory or divisive rhetoric or actions and use the election as an opportunity to bring Nigeria together. Only a united Nigeria whose government is dedicated to the safety of all Nigerians can truly rid the nation of terrorist groups like Boko Haram. I urge the government of Nigeria to take seriously its obligations to provide security for every citizen, as well as an environment that allows Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without hindrance or fear."

Since 2009, the militant group Boko Haram has increasingly terrorized communities throughout northern Nigeria. Considered a Foreign Terrorist Organization and on the United Nations Security Council's Al Qaeda sanctions list, Boko Haram has razed villages, kidnapped and enslaved women and girls, and murdered thousands. With the backdrop of the violence, Nigeria is scheduled to hold national elections on March 28 and April 11, following a six-week delay that was announced on February 7. While the country has experienced episodes of election-related violence over the years, the presidential candidates this cycle have pledged to conduct issue-based campaigns that refrain from dividing Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

Source